About

HI I’M

Dr. Roz Heiko

I work with therapists to navigate the deep waters of our consciousness through Sandplay, a process that creates a safe space for stories to come to life.

On any given day, I am speaking to a group of therapists overseas or in the US about the meaning of symbolic play, putting the finishing touches on my book about the Heroine’s Journey for Girls, or creating an e-course on practical aspects of assembling a sandplay room.

I work with brave therapists looking to revitalize their own practices by introducing them to Sandplay. This training and consultation is for the mental health professional who is emotionally exhausted from years of being present for their own clients, or looking to shake up their services with a more creative approach to conventional talk therapy.

I believe in preparing others for the beauty of the breakthrough moment, moments that come when children and families experience the power of Sandplay for the first time and begin to conquer their own definition of impossible.

In my clinical practice,

I might be working with:

a teen on their Sandplay journaling and dreamwork,

gently guiding a client through their first hypnosis session,

or introducing a young family to the benefits of EMDR therapy.

My schedule rarely looks the same from one day to the next – and I like it that way! I work with brave people who wish to explore their emotions with someone who provides competency-based, compassionate services in a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment. I don’t set out to “fix” my clients, but rather, help them express their own emotions in order to get to a place of self-confidence and strength.

I’ve worked with

children

adults

and families.

for over 35 years, beginning during my college years at Syracuse University.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of teaching at such institutions as UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State, while also serving organizations like the Sandplay Therapists of America, the NC Psychology Association, and the Journal of Sandplay Therapy.

I am also the Founder of NC Play Therapy and Sandplay Training, committed to bringing respectful, competent and in-depth training, professional support and education in Sandplay to mental health professionals in North Carolina.

When I’m not in the office

I love to sing – a passion of mine since childhood. Although I strived to become an opera singer, and was even accepted to the Manhattan School of Music, I knew that a life of waitressing (and juggling plates!) was not my forte. I’ve given up that dream for now, but I believe I’ve stepped into one much better suited for me. I get to transform lives and rekindle spirits every day, and for that, I’m so fortunate. Music is still one of my greatest joys, along with yoga, reading, and jewelry design.

To learn more about my background and credentials

919.858.9692

info@drheiko.com

Latest Posts

“I regard wonder as a key healing component of client-play therapist relationships. My play therapy goal is to be in wonder with my client.” Dr. Emily Keller is an RPT and LPC-S, is a North Carolina psychologist practicing in Pittsboro. Her article, “Wonder: The Key...